Pizza-shop manager pleads not guilty in assault case

LOWELL -- A Lowell man who is the focus of a sexual-harassment lawsuit against a Dracut pizza shop pleaded not guilty to allegations he inappropriately touched a learning-disabled employee.

In Lowell District Court earlier this month, Gregory Marion was released on personal recognizance with the condition that he stay away from the victim after pleading not guilty to indecent assault and battery on someone 14 or older.

The criminal case file was impounded by the court.

In a separate matter, the alleged victim filed a lawsuit in December alleging that between February and June 22, 2015, he was "taunted and humiliated" by Marion, 34, a manager at Primo Pizza in Dracut.

The plaintiff, who has intellectual disabilities and worked at the pizza shop, also alleges that other employees joined in the antics.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges that Marion directed sexual language, "jokes" and homophobic slurs at him.

Citing a June 22, 2015 incident, the plaintiff alleges in the lawsuit that Marion grabbed the plaintiff's head and forced it into Marion's lap, saying it was repayment for a cup of coffee. The plaintiff said he left work and never returned.

Marion denies the allegations. He is scheduled for a pretrial conference on March 23.

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